Tag: Thanksgiving Flowers Washington DC

Thanksgivukkah is almost here! What is that, you ask? This year is the first time that Thanksgiving and the first day of Hanukkah fall on the same day. This rare event won’t happen again for years! Why is it happening? The Jewish calendar has slowly shifted, moving Hanukah earlier and earlier. This means it will eventually end up in the middle of summer! But that’s not going to happen for quite a while, so let’s instead celebrate the rare occasion of Thanksgivukkah!

So what are people doing for Thanksgivukkah? Many are combining a traditional Thanksgiving meal with traditional Hanukkah dishes like potato latkes and other dishes. Many will decorate with blue for Hanukkah and orange for Thanksgiving, creating a visually striking way of celebrating the holiday. Even if you’re not Jewish, you might want to incorporate some little way of celebrating this convergence.

Naturally, those who practice the religion will light a menorah while reciting the appropriate blessings from the Torah. There are also traditional Hanukkah hymns that can be sung and activities, like spinning the dreidel, which the whole family can enjoy. You can combine these traditions with any of your family’s Thanksgiving traditions if you want.

Thanksgiving is next week! One of the traditions many people have is to go around the table and say what they’re thankful before eating dinner. So what are you thankful for this year? Here are ten things you may be (or should be) thankful for.

1. Family, even if they’re spread out across the world or if won’t get to be with your family this holiday. Be thankful for your family.
2. Friends, especially those who may be like your family.
3. Your pets. After all, they’re a part of your family, and they’re your friends!
4. Your job. Even though the economy is recovering, there are still people out there who aren’t employed and can’t find a job.
5. Your home. Again, many people aren’t fortunate enough to have a home.
6. The food you’re about to eat.
7. Your health. Even if you’ve had a rough year, you’re still here to eat another Thanksgiving Day meal.
8. Your parents and grandparents for raising you and always being there for you.
9. Your children. They’re your pride and joy!
10. Your memories. Spend a little time on Thanksgiving remembering the good times you’ve had and the people you shared them with.

While most people celebrate Thanksgiving at home with their families, there are some large celebrations for the holiday. Here’s a quick run-down of some of the Thanksgiving events going on in the DC Metro this Thanksgiving.

There are many different restaurants in the area that will be open and serving Thanksgiving meals on November 25th. If you don’t want to cook, you might want to visit one of these great restaurants and let someone else handle the dishes!
• 701 Restaurant
• Adour
• Ardeo
• Bibiana Osteria-Entoeca
• 1789 Restaurant
• Bourbon Steak
• Carmines
• Citronelle
• J & G Steahouse
• Old Ebbitt Grill
• Oval Room
• Spirit of Washington

There also a number of places that offer a “Thanksgiving to Go” package. Put in your order, pick up the meal, and head home to enjoy it with your family. A few of the places offering meals to go include the following:
• Georgia Browns
• Carmines
• Balduccis
• Safeway
• Honeybaked Ham
• Whole Foods Market
• Ritz Carlton
• Cityhouse

Love shopping? Many stores are now starting Black Friday on late Thursday evening. Check out some of the deals and, after you’ve finished your meal and had a little nap, head out to face the crowds! Many stores still observe the traditional early-morning Black Friday sales, of course. On Saturday, which is now called Small Business Saturday, head to your favorite small or locally-run business and pick up some more gifts. Finally, if you’ve missed anyone, shop online on Cyber Monday.

Turkey Trots, the festive name for marathons and other run/walk events, are held during this time of year. These events are scheduled throughout the week. For example, the Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger is held on Thanksgiving Day at the Freedom Plaza. There are many others, including events in Alexandria, Arlington, Leesburg, and Centreville. Most of these runs are benefitting charity.

If you’re in or near Reston, you might want to attend their annual holiday parade on November 23rd, the day after Thanksgiving. It begins at 11:00 am at the corner of Market Street and Freedom Drive. Santa will stop by for photos, and the official Christmas tree will be lit at 6:00 pm.

The National Harbor Christmas Tree Lighting is also on Friday. It starts at 5:00 at the Waterfront Plaza.

Thanksgiving is all about the spirit of sharing. Some families have different traditions when it comes to sharing. Are you looking for a new way of sharing this year? If so, here are ten different ways of sharing at Thanksgiving—one or two may be perfect for your family.

1. Share your feelings. Don’t assume that others know you’re thankful that they are in your life. Don’t just stop at your friends and family, though. Share a smile, a hug, or a “thank you” with others throughout each day.

2. Share your time and love with others – volunteer at a homeless shelter.

3. Know someone who will be alone on Thanksgiving? Invite them to your dinner.

4. Make a monetary donation to a food bank or other charity. If you’ve been thinking of cutting your hair and it’s long enough, consider donating it to the Locks of Love charity.

5. Visit a retirement or senior citizens home and visit with those who don’t have family.

6. Take a dessert or snack to the office the day before, or take a dish to a neighbor who may have fallen on hard times.

7. Write a letter to a soldier who is stationed overseas.

8. Adopt an animal from a shelter. You’re not just sharing your love, you’re saving a life.

9. Do a little fall cleaning and donate gently used items to a shelter or a charity.

10. Share your skills with the elderly or the disabled by helping them around the house. This is especially important for those who need some housework done before the weather gets too cold but aren’t able to do it themselves. Helping seal windows and cracks in an elderly person’s home can help them stay warm and healthy this winter.